Informatics Publishing Limited

Prabha C. Nissimagoudar ¹, Venkatesh Mane ², Nalini C. Iyer ², Sanjay Eligar ², S. J. Ramakrishna ², M. R. Kiran ², Anupkumar Patil ², H. M. Gireesha ², K. Shamshuddin ², A. B. Raju ², K. M. Uma ², B. L. Desai ²

Affiliations
1 BVB-Automotive Electronics Group, B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology, Hubballi, IN
2 BVB-Automotive Electronics Group, B.V.B. College of Engineering & Technology, Hubballi, IN

Abstract

The development of automotive sub systems involves integration of multiple sub modules. Each sub system involves more than one sub component, with possible dependencies between components. The electronic sub systems, usually known as electronic control units(ECUs) are the integrated parts of modern automotives. The development of suchmodules requires the knowledge belonging to diverse engineering domains and also an ability to work in multi disciplinary environment. This paper discusses about an activity attempted for the course on automotive electronics for the third year engineering students of circuit branches. The activity involves providing an experience of development of ECUs which in turn provides an opportunity of getting exposed to industrial environment. An automotive electronics, a core course taught for the students of circuit branches is mainly application oriented involving system level concepts. The course was introduced to cater to the needs of automotive industries. The concepts of entire course can be divided into five main domains; power train, safety systems, body, driver assistance and infotainment systems. Accordingly to complement the learning it was decided to introduce an extended activity in the form of course projects wherein the theme was to develop electronic control units (ECUs) for every domain. An ECU of an automotive has multiple functionalities, each representing a sub-module of a bigger system. The integration of sub-modules to realize a specific ECU was major objective of the activity. The sub-module development involves modelling, hardware/software development and communication protocol implantation. To impart the industry like working culture amongst students, every sub-module belonging to specific ECU was assigned to the students of different department. Sub modules were developed independently by specialized dedicated team of a particular department and were integrated to demonstrate a final ECU by different department teams. The Prototype models with an option of testing on a test vehicle were the results of this activity. The student learning was measured in terms of their ability to work in a team, project management skills and their technical competencies to develop sub-modules and integration of sub modules. The outcomes are also discussed with respect to students placements in automotive industries and attainment of ABET outcomes.

Keywords

Automotive Electronics, Sub Module, Integration, ECU Design.

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Prabha C. Nissimagoudar ¹, Venkatesh Mane ¹, H. M. Gireesha ¹, Heera G. Wali ¹, Nalini C. Iyer ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, KLE Technological University, IN

Abstract

Automotive electronics is a course which is highly multidisciplinary and application oriented which requires the knowledge of various engineering domains.At our organization this course is introduced to the students of third year belonging circuits branches to cater to the needs of automotive industry. In automotive industry various product development models are followed and V design model is most common amongst them. As a part of V design model, model based design approach (MBD) is usually followed prototype development. As MBD provides a rapid prototyping method of the product under design it is very much popular in automotive industries. The same method with the integration of industrial approach is practiced for teaching a course on automotive electronics.Model based design approach includes using models as components for prototyping and most commonly used tools for such kind of design are MATLAB/SIMULINK or lab view. In this paper we discuss about adapting model based design approach using SIMULINK at various levels to teach a course on automotive electronics. MBD approach is used in teaching theory concepts, in laboratory exercises from simple simulation to porting the models to hardware and lastly in course projects. Course project development also involved virtual industry environment along with MBD. The approach helped the students learn and develop technical and professional competencies, industry specific skills and also prepare graduates to be industry ready. The student learning was measured in terms of their ability to work in a team, project management skills and their technical competencies to develop sub-modules and integration of sub modules. The outcomes are also discussed with respect to students placements in automotive industries and attainment of ABET outcomes.

Keywords

Model Based Design, Automotive Electronics, Industrial Approach.

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